But beware, Prime Minister: there is no divine right of parties any more than there was a divine right of kings.
That was the norm of the past ten years, in the form of Farage’s parties. There’s no reason to assume that a new challenger won’t emerge.
We don’t know whether they believe it to be prudent or desirable or both – but the message to the leadership contenders is clear.
Some Ministers think that a Brexit Party win there could shift Labour to back May’s deal. But there’s an issue with timing.
The contrast with the waxing fortunes of the SNP illustrates the importance of knowing when to pass the torch.
Yesterday’s Lord Ashcroft poll casts light on its chances of winning Westminster seats – and on where Nigel Farage might stand.
Farage’s summer isn’t getting off to a good start – how might he try to regain momentum before it vanishes?
Plus: The shuffle I want. Brown flops. Why on earth do Conservative Governments pour millions into Liverpool? And: In memory of Andy Wilson.
Also: Jones overrules local preferences to give Welsh pre-eminence; Scottish Isles bid for more powers; and embattled NI21 leader receives sexual misconduct report.
The SNP made it their mission to demonise Farage’s party – they failed, and it’s a real blow.
Strong victories for strong leaders are usually the hallmark of a crisis, not of a successful country (which the UK surely is).
This was probably the most structured campaign we’ve run in recent times – direct contact was made with more than 90 per cent of all known Conservatives.
I would rather Boris was in Westminster North, Ilford North and, yes, Enfield North than Newark: we need him.
The Conservative cause is meant to be about basic decency, fairness, justice, and an equal chance for all. The Party machinery doesn’t live up to those ideals.